Influenza (flu) season is around the corner, and that means it’s time for your annual flu injection. Flu injections are quick and very effective; and even if you’re scared of needles, it’s a small price to pay for not ending up in bed for up to two weeks with an aching body and a high fever.
Many people believe that flu injections can make them sick, and for this reason, they tend to avoid getting their annual shots. The fact is that a flu injection contains virus particles that have been killed, so it cannot give you the flu. You might experience a few side effects (like swelling at the injection site, a mild fever or a headache) for the first two days after your injection, but you will not get the flu. However, if you decide not to go for a flu injection, you could become seriously ill (most flu sufferers take about two weeks to fully recover) and you could develop further complications like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Many people believe that flu injections can make them sick, and for this reason, they tend to avoid getting their annual shots. The fact is that a flu injection contains virus particles that have been killed, so it cannot give you the flu. You might experience a few side effects (like swelling at the injection site, a mild fever or a headache) for the first two days after your injection, but you will not get the flu. However, if you decide not to go for a flu injection, you could become seriously ill (most flu sufferers take about two weeks to fully recover) and you could develop further complications like pneumonia or bronchitis.
How does the flu differ from a common cold?
Flu usually starts very suddenly and is accompanied by a high fever (over 38°C), severe body aches (including headaches) and a general feeling of weakness. You may also have a sore throat, stuffy nose or a cough. A cold, on the other hand, is usually limited to sneezing, a blocked nose, cough and sore throat – you will rarely have a headache or a fever when you have a cold.
Who should get a flu injection?
The flu vaccine can be taken by anyone who wants to stay healthy through the winter months, but if you fall into any of the following groups, you are strongly advised to be vaccinated against the flu:
- Anyone with a chronic condition which affects general immunity (for example, diabetes, asthma, heart or kidney disease),
- Anyone over the age of 65,
- Women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy,
- Healthcare workers,
- Smokers, and
- Organ transplant recipients
Who should not be vaccinated against the flu?
- Anyone who is allergic to eggs,
- Children under the age of six months,
- Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine before, and
- Anyone with a fever. Wait until you are healthy before going for your flu injection.
How does a flu injection work?
The flu vaccine contains inactivated viruses. This means that it cannot make you sick, but it will stimulate your immune system to recognise the viruses in future before they make you sick or cause complications. About two to three weeks after the flu injection, your body will have built up resistance to the flu strains contained in the vaccine. This resistance usually lasts for between six to 12 months.
I got a flu injection last year, why do I have to go again?
As mentioned above, your body’s immunity only lasts for up to a year. Plus, the flu injection is altered each year to provide protection against the new strains of flu that are most common. For example, last year’s flu injection provided protection against H1N1 swine flu.
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